Buying Property in a Seller’s Market: 6 Strategies for Success
By Leigh Martinuzzi | Martinuzzi Property Group – eXp Australia
Buying a home in today’s market isn’t always easy — especially when you’re up against multiple offers, limited listings, and rising prices.
Here on the Sunshine Coast, we’re still very much in a seller’s market, with demand continuing to outpace supply in many suburbs.
So what does that mean for buyers?
It means you’ll need to be prepared, proactive, and strategic to secure the right property — before someone else beats you to it.
Whether you’re a first-home buyer, downsizer, or relocating from interstate, here are six practical strategies to help you buy with confidence in a competitive market.
1. Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Looking
Before you even inspect your first property, have your finance pre-approval in place. In a seller’s market, time is critical, and sellers are far more likely to accept offers from buyers who are already ready to go.
Why it matters:
✔️ Shows you’re serious
✔️ Speeds up the negotiation process
✔️ Helps you set clear budget boundaries
A pre-approval letter from your lender or broker can help your offer stand out — especially in multi-offer situations.
2. Be Prepared to Pay More Than the Asking Price
In balanced markets, the list price is usually close to what the seller expects. But in a seller’s market? That price is often just a starting point.
If you’re serious about buying, you may need to offer at — or even above — the asking price to compete. Cash buyers or those with clean finance are often favoured, even if their offer isn’t the highest.
Search below your maximum budget. This gives you flexibility to bid up if needed, without overstretching your finances.
Before you begin your search, know your limits: income, expenses, deposit, and comfort zone. This will help you act quickly when the right home comes along — and avoid heartbreak over homes out of reach.
3. Act Quickly — but Not Hastily
When competition is high, good homes move fast.
Set up alerts, stay in touch with agents, and be ready to inspect quickly. If a property feels right, move swiftly — but still do your due diligence.
Panic buying is a real risk in heated markets. Stick to your must-haves and make sure you’re buying a home that suits your needs, not just winning a bidding war for the sake of it.
4. Expand Your Search Radius
Let go of perfection, and broaden your brief.
In a tight market, you may need to adjust your expectations slightly — either on location, features, or condition of the property.
Consider:
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Neighbouring suburbs with similar amenities
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Properties that need minor cosmetic updates
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Off-market or pre-market opportunities not listed online
Sometimes the best value lies just outside your original search radius.
5. Understand the Local Market
Every suburb is different. Some are red hot with multiple offers on day one, others have a bit more breathing room.
Knowing the local sales trends, median prices, and average time on market can help you make smarter decisions — and negotiate with more confidence.
I’ve helped many buyers navigate these nuances across the Sunshine Coast. When you understand the dynamics of a specific area, you gain a real edge.
6. Be Flexible — and Patient
Flexibility is powerful. Sellers may be juggling their own move, a timeline, or tenants — so being willing to adjust your terms can give you a leg up.
But also: don’t feel pressured to buy something that doesn’t suit you just because the market is hot.
Yes, you may miss out once or twice. But staying focused and persistent will put you in a much stronger position when the right home comes along.
If you’re not in a rush, sometimes waiting it out — or even pausing your search to save more or refine your brief — is the smartest move of all.
Yes, it’s a seller’s market — but strategic buyers are still buying great homes every day.
With the right preparation, local insight, and a clear plan, you can buy with confidence and avoid the stress of overpaying or missing out.
👉 Book a chat today and let’s give you fantastic results this holiday.
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